From: Chief Kristen Thorne
Contact Number: (607) 737-5626
Date: January 13, 2026
Subject: Elmira Downtown Business District
Given the recent shooting which occurred on January 11, 2026, in the Center Town parking garage, the Elmira Police Department would like to mention that beginning at the end of July 2025 an Elmira Police Officer from the 3PM-11PM shift has been assigned to the Downtown Business District. This was done due to various complaints arising from businesses in the area and a couple incidents occurring in that area which brought safety concerns.
Since that time the Elmira Police Department has made a concerted effort to address concerns which include vagrancy in Winser Park and loitering in the Center Town parking garage, larcenies from vehicles in the Center Town parking garage, individuals erratically operating E-Bikes in the area, individuals operating bicycles on the sidewalks and parking violations.
The Elmira Police Department has received positive feedback from businesses in the area due to these efforts. The Elmira Police Department has made these efforts without neglecting other areas within the city.
The Elmira Police Department acknowledges that Officers can not be everywhere 24/7 and even with our best intentions crime does occur. The Elmira Police Department makes sure to note on our press releases issued regarding serious crimes whether the crime appeared or was a random act or not a random act. We aim to notify the public in these instances of this to attempt to calm the public’s concern when it is an incident which was not a random act.
We will continue having an officer assigned to the Downtown Business District during the 3PM-11PM shift. A goal for 2026 would be to also provide extra targeted patrols of this area during the other two shifts dependent on manpower and patrol needs throughout the rest of the city.
Respectfully,
Chief Kristen Thorne